Acne is a common skin condition that causes large and painful pimples over the face, neck, chest and back and affects teenagers and adults. When the pores and hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, it causes pimples and blemishes. You may have acne if the pimples are recurring, even with a regular skincare routine.
Acne is defined as recurring pimples on the face, neck, chest and back. You may have various types of pimples, but the most common ones to look out for are:
One of the most common misconceptions is that a poor diet causes acne. And while eating nutritional foods helps improve your skin health, persistent acne is most often caused by a hormonal imbalance.
Androgen is a hormone that causes the pores to enlarge and the body to produce more sebum. This leads to more oil production and clogged pores. Other factors that contribute to acne are stress and medications.
Although acne does not harm your overall health, it can be a debilitating condition with painful pimples and cysts that cause mental distress.
The first step to treating acne is to understand the cause behind it. Dr Maphosa will consult with you on your medical history, diet and lifestyle before assessing your skin and prescribing treatment.
Treatment options for acne include:
The severity of your condition will determine the strength of your treatment. Dr Maphosa may also recommend various lifestyle changes to prevent the worsening of your condition.
